Amidst Lengthy Suspension, Deshaun Watson Takes Big Step Towards NFL Return With $240 Million and Season on the Line for 2–3 Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson has taken a big step toward his return to the NFL. The star quarterback returned to the Cleveland Browns facility on Monday. This is the first time that the quarterback has been allowed into the team building since his 11-game suspension came into effect on August 30.

Watson still cannot participate in group sessions and has to train individually. He is also allowed to meet team coach Kevin Stefanski and the other staff at the facility. This is the first step for a potential return of a star quarterback of a struggling team. The Browns had a mixed start to the season as the team notched up just two wins after game Week 5.

Deshaun Watson’s 11-game ban

Deshaun Watson was handed an 11-game suspension after he breached the NFL’s personal conduct policy. While now he has been allowed at the facility, Watson was previously banned from contacting the Browns‘ coaching staff, seeing the game plan, or even setting foot in the team building. He still is not allowed to attend club events or perform media duties.

Read more: How Deshaun Watson’s $230M Contract With Cleveland Browns Changed the NFL’s QB Game Forever and How It’s Strongly Affecting Other Contracts?

Watson was initially suspended for six games. Following an appeal by the player, the league and NFL Players’ Association reached an agreement. That saw his suspension rise to 11 games and a fine of $5 million. He also needs to undergo an evaluation overseen jointly by the league and NFLPA. He will also have to go through mandatory counseling. His progress in fulfilling all the requirements is on track, according to NFL.com.

What has Deshaun Watson been up to all this time?

Watson has been attending throwing training sessions at a gym in Ohio three times a week. His training during the suspension is being overseen by his personal QB coach Quincy Avery. Watson practiced with receivers from the Division II level. His coach is running simulations based on the Cleveland Browns’ playstyle.

“They run good routes and give him a good look,” Avery told NFL.com. “We do it basically like we would if he was there (with the Browns). So, the first two days we go full pads, then the last day in helmets — whatever the team would be wearing that day,” the coach added.

Watson is allowed to be back at the training pitch with the team starting November 14. His reinstatement into the team will have to wait another two weeks (November 28). Watson’s potential return to the NFL would most probably be against his former team, Houston Texans on December 4.

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